Some inmates released early at crowded Dickinson jail

December 24, 2013

IRON MOUNTAIN - Jail sentences were shortened for 113 inmates in Dickinson County this year because the jail is over its capacity, Sheriff Scott Celello said Monday.

In all, the early releases totaled more than 1,000 days in 2013, he said.

Celello shared those statistics at a county board meeting after providing a written overview on the jail's status.

The highest inmate census was in June when the jailed housed an average of 81 prisoners daily, which is 10 above capacity, Celello said. The lowest census was 73.

Crowded jail conditions have been noted in the county for a number of years, but there are no immediate plans to expand capacity.

In other action Monday, the county board:

- Scheduled its 2014 reorganizational meeting for 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, in the law library of the courthouse.

- Endorsed the reappointment of Sally Blom and Steve Zurcher to the Dickinson County Healthcare System Board of Trustees in a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Barbara Kramer voted no and Commissioner Ann Martin was absent.

- Heard Commissioner Joe Stevens praise the productivity and dedication of county employees.